Things to do in Luzon, Philippines

Come along for a tour of Manila’s past and present. The tour starts right in the heart of the country’s financial center - the City of Makati. First stop is Nielsen’s Tower along Ayala Boulevard. Drive through Forbes Park, an exclusive residential enclave fittingly dubbed Millionaire’s Row on your way to our first stop – The American Cemetery and Memorial - reputed to be the largest and most beautiful of American memorials outside the Continental United States. Then proceed to the old city of Manila via scenic Roxas Boulevard (also known as Dewey Boulevard in the recent past), passing through Luneta Park (also called Rizal Park in memory of the country’s national hero) on your way to the "Walled City" of Intramuros. Here you will see ancient walls, church ruins and other relics of the Spanish Conquistadores. Travel through the cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. Then we wrap the tour up with a visit to Fort Santiago, a Spanish fortress that watched over the entrance to Manila’s Pasig River. It was here that our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last days and where he wrote his famous "My Last Farewell."

Get on your bamboo bike made by local craftsmen to explore all major historical sites of Intramuros, the historical district of Manila. Start your tour by picking the best bambike that fits you. Start your tour with the guide by riding to Plaza San Luis, a complex inside Intramuros where you can find a Japanese cannon used in World War II. Spend time listening to your guide's explanation about Intramuros's history at Puerta Real Gardens, surrounded by local fauna. The next stop is Puerta Del Parian, one of the earliest gateways to Intramuros. You will then be directed to the Aduana Building, Manila Cathedral and Plaza de Roma, the historic center of Spanish colonial times of Manila. Refresh yourself with a cold towel and an ice cream after the tour!

About an hour and a half drive south of Metro Manila lies the picturesque City of Tagaytay. Located on a ridge 2,200 feet above sea level, it offers a panoramic view of Taal Lake and Volcano - a lake within a volcano. This awe-inspiring vista is best savored atop the Palace in the Sky - resthouse of former President Ferdinand Marcos. Explore Tagaytay’s freshest produce with a farm tour. See how vegetables, herbs, and coffee beans are grown and harvested. Savor this awe-inspiring vista from atop the Palace in the Sky, the abandoned “rest house” of the former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos, where you can find breathtaking views of the lake and volcano. Enter the Museo Orlina Art Museum and take the chance to view an extensive collection of glass sculptures by renowned glass sculptor, Ramon Orlina. The tour includes lunch in one of the local restaurants where you can enjoy sumptuous Philippine cuisine and delicacies popular to the region. Time permitting, you will have a short visit of Talisay at the Pasalubong Center, showcasing the process of preparing Freshly Baked Buco Pie.

The tour starts with a drive up to the picturesque City of Tagaytay. Located on a ridge 2,250 feet above sea level, the city offers panoramic views of Taal Lake and Volcano, the "lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano". This view is best savored from atop the Palace in the Sky, rest house of late President Ferdinand Marcos. Enjoy a brief lunch stop at a local restaurant to enjoy some local cuisine and delicacies in an atmosphere designed for panoramic views. Then we start our drive back down to Metro Manila. First stop is the American War Memorial & Cemetery, the largest and most beautiful of American memorials outside the Continental U.S. Have a glimpse of Makati’s hustle and bustle as you drive through on your way to the capital city - Manila via scenic Roxas Boulevard (also known as Dewey Boulevard in the recent past) passing through Rizal Park (named in memory of the country’s national hero) on your way to the "Walled City" of Intramuros. Here you will see ancient walls, church ruins and other relics of the Spanish Conquistadors. Travel through old cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. The tours wraps up at Fort Santiago, a Spanish fortress that once watched over the entrance to Pasig River. It was here that our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last days and where he wrote his famous "My Last Farewell."

Following pickup from your hotel in Manila, head straight to the Pagsanjan Falls on a 2.5-hour drive south. From there, your driver will assist you in getting to the paddle raft, which will be manned by two local guides. Experience a multiple-rapid adventure as you continue toward the falls. Swim to the cave that lies within the magnificent Pagsanjan Falls, feeling refreshed by the cold water. Set off on another two-hour drive over to the Taal Volcano ridge in Tagaytay City for the Taal Volcano eruption sightseeing tour. Taal Volcano suddenly erupted at 2:36 PM on Sunday, January 12, 2020, forcing all to flee from the island. For the next 24 hours, ashes coming from the crater traveled all the way to Metro Manila and nearby areas as 150,000 people fled from their homes. Taal Volcano is now considered the most active volcano complex after this eruption. See the devastation firsthand and take in dramatic views of Taal Lake and the steaming Volcano Island from the ridges of Tagaytay City. Enjoy lunch (at your own expense) with a view of the whole lake, in the center of which steams the Taal Volcano, the Philippines smallest but most active volcano as of today.

Discover the breathtaking scenery near the famous perfectly cone-shaped Mayon volcano during a thrilling ATV ride. Start the tour with a practice session in the practice area, perfect for those who haven't tried ATV before. Choose from a variety of exciting trail routes that encompass forests, rivers, rice fields, and volcanic terrain. Expect a bouncy ride from rocky roads and prepare to get your feet soaked from rivers and swamps. The staff will guide you the whole way and can serve as your photographers so you can relax and enjoy the ride entirely. If you are a solo traveler, select the private option as an add-on before check-out so you do not need to wait to be joined by other groups.

The day begins with early morning pickup from your hotel in Coron and heads to the nearby wharf. Pickup your water activity gear, for snorkeling later in the day, and set sail onto the turquoise blue waters of the bay. As you glide across the water, admire the breathtaking view of the islets and rock formations across the landscape between each stop of the tour. One of the most popular destinations of the tour is CYC Beach, favored by both locals and tourists. With white sand and clear shallow waters, the beach provides the perfect spot for a casual swim, or a snorkel to admire the sea life. Another of the tour’s destinations that is perfect for water activities is the stunning Atwayan beach, from which you can also enjoy a trip to the mesmerizing Quin Reef, Green Lagoon and Las Islas De Coral. Afterwards, head to the incredible Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon, to marvel at the emerald waters that glisten in the sunlight. Enjoy more free time to explore these secretive spots, take a dip in the refreshing waters, or take some photos for your holiday album. Once you’ve worked up an appetite from swimming and snorkeling, it's time for a lunch of local style BBQ and seafood amidst the stunning backdrop of the crystal clear waters.

"Shoot the Rapids" in dugout canoes and experience nature’s wonder. Drive two and a half hours south of Metro Manila through the countryside to beautiful town of Pagsanjan, Laguna. Be prepared to board a native banca (canoe) skillfully driven by two boatmen and maneuvered upstream through rocks and boulders amidst steep gorges and lush tropical vegetation. Your destination - Majestic Pagsanjan Falls. Take a swim or board a bamboo raft through the falls into a cave behind the veil of water. This is an exhilarating, spine-tingling, adrenaline-pumping, two hour boat ride from the Bumbungan River to Pagsanjan Falls whose booming water cascades down from high atop a cliff to the river 300 feet below. Your ride downstream is an exciting rush through the same rocks and boulders you passed on your way upriver.

Get on a bamboo bike made by local craftsmen to explore all the major historical sites of Intramuros, the historical center of Manila. Discover local sites like Fort Santiago, Plaza de Roma, and Puerta del Parian.  Start your tour by picking the best bambike for you and put on your helmet before you hit the streets. Follow your guide from Casa Manila, a museum focused on the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. Ride to the Japanese Cannon and learn about the city's World War II history. Listen as your guide explains Intramuros's history at Puerta Real Gardens, surrounded by local fauna. The next stop is Puerta Del Parian, one of the earliest gateways to Intramuros. Continue to the Aduana Building, the Manila Cathedral, and Plaza de Roma, the historic center of colonial Manila. Finally, stop at the Bayleaf Hotel Skydeck to watch the sunset before returning to the meeting point at around 6:30 PM. Refresh yourself with a cold towel and an ice cream after your tour.

Who are the Filipinos? Learn and understand the locals while walking, eating, and biking across Manila, the Philippines' metropolis. Once known as the "Pearl of the Orient", this city is rapidly changing. Visit Quiapo Market and Binondo’s Chinatown and see how the new emerges between the old, in all areas of life. As it’s architecture, Manila's street food is a showcase of the city’s different visitors throughout history. That history is best visible at the old city of Intramuros. Biking through the small streets might feel like traveling back in time. This area suffered heavy damage during World War Two, but the Filipinos' hospitality and smile remains one that cannot be destroyed. Itinerary: 08:00 - Depart from from Abraham Hostel 08:35 - Depart from Pasig River Ferry Station 09:30 - Arrive in Quiapo Market 10:30 - Start of Binondo Chinatown Walking Tour 12:00 - Ride a tricycle to Intramuros 12:30 - Start of Intramuros Bamboo Bike Tour 14:00 - End of Intramuros Tour. Snacks and Rest 14:30 - Departure to Abraham Hostel via AC Van NB: All times are approximate